Sheryl Christensen Merrell, long time resident of Moab, UT, completed her earthly journey, on the evening of June 14, 2013 with her daughter Melinda Schmidt at her side.

Sheryl was born to Wilford and LeNora Christensen on October 13, 1930 in Monticello, Utah. She was the youngest of six children: Rowena, Donna, Buckley, Bonnie, and Beverly. All of Sheryl’s sisters preceded her in death, she is survived by her brother Buckley and his wife Yvonne.

On October 21, 1960, Sheryl married Harvey W. Merrell and acquired his three children: Kristine, Douglas and David. Douglas preceded her in death. In 1967, Melinda was born followed soon by Matthew in 1969. Sheryl is survived by: Melinda Schmidt, her husband, Shad, their two sons: Wilson and Cade, Matthew Merrell, his wife Wendy their three children: Page, Chase and Claire. Sheryl is also survived by her stepchildren: Kristine Merrell Rogers (Lane), David Merrell and four step-grandsons. Her husband Harvey passed away in May, 2004.

Sheryl loved the outdoors, throughout her adult life, she longed for her childhood days when she “took the cows to the pasture.” As an adult, Sheryl tirelessly traipsed around the desert with her geologist husband, Harvey, looking at rocks. Sheryl filled her pockets with rocks that she liked, she refused to abandon any rock that struck her fancy even if Harvey declared it to be “no good.” Sheryl’s last days were spent outside if at all possible, in spite of her failing health, she was strong enough to part the curtain, look out the window and declare: “it looks nice out there.”

In addition to mother nature, Sheryl loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren, her dog Tyros, chocolate and coca cola; not necessarily in that order.

A Graveside Service was held Tuesday June 18, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A viewing was held from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

The San Juan Record welcomes comments on our stories. Please be civil, respectful, focused and humane. Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at the discretion of sjrnews.com